Carolyn Dean

Mary Carolyn Dean, née Mainord, was born in Seminole, Oklahoma on September 24, 1942 to Grover and Bertha Mainord. She died on August 28, 2021 at home in Norman, Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband, Charles, to whom she had been married for over 58 years – a testament to her patience. For most of their married lives, Carolyn served the families that she and Charles pastored in Byng, Oklahoma; Independence, Kansas; Colby, Kansas; Durant, Oklahoma; Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; and finally, Norman, Oklahoma. Of course, she cared for Charles too, ensuring that he didn’t embarrass himself too much, both by ensuring his ties and socks matched and correcting his improper English. Carolyn was in every sense of the word a home-maker; her home was her center. She devoted herself to making her home a place that was warm and inviting. Through her attention to order, her insistence on keeping her home ready for company, and her cooking, she made sure that everyone felt welcomed and cared for from the time they walked in the door. Her home was always ready for you, no matter when you showed up. When she wasn’t cooking or cleaning, Carolyn could often be found sewing, cross-stitching, or crocheting. If you knew her, you have undoubtedly received one of her creations for a special occasion or life event: they were made with the utmost care, and they were given with unconditional love. Carolyn is survived by her two children: Rhonda, and her husband, David of Norman, Oklahoma; and Charles, Jr., and his wife, Cassy of Osceola, Missouri. Carolyn also cared deeply for her four grandchildren: Trevor, Mary, Maddison, and Jonathan. She entertained them for weeks at a time when they were young, planning daily activities outside or taking them on trips. And while she seriously valued the orderliness and cleanliness of her home, when it came to her grandchildren, those rules went out the window. Carolyn is also survived by four of her sisters: Marcine Roberson, Delores Jennings, Evelyn Stevens, and Linda Tipton, husband, Lynn; one brother: Gilbert Mainord, several nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews. And her cherished brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Sharon Dean of Pittsburg, KS, as well as their children and grandchildren. Her favorite family events were the annual Mainord family reunion and shopping trips to The Outlet Shoppes in Branson, Missouri. When she and Charles retired from full-time pastoring in 2007, Carolyn focused on making one more home for the two of them. They continued investing in others even in their retirement, first at Norman Community Church of the Nazarene and at CrossPointe Church most recently. The center of Carolyn’s life remained her home and her family. She made lunch for them every Sunday, and she continued to care for them until the end, to ask about their activities and their lives, and to focus on others. Even during her cancer treatment, she was gracious, kind, and a blessing to everyone she encountered. Ultimately, Carolyn demonstrated that her house was indeed in order, both inside and out. Memorials may be made to Excell Hospice, 1200 SW 104th, Suite D, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.

Carolyn Dean

September 24, 1942 - August 28, 2021